Usually, if you have chronic headaches, an underlying condition might be at fault. However, sometimes people have chronic headaches without a clear cause. The focus then becomes on treating the pain. If you experience chronic headaches, the following are five things to relieve chronic headaches.
Chiropractor
Visiting a chiropractor can be a good first step to relieve chronic headaches. Headaches that originate in the neck can especially benefit from chiropractic treatment. Research shows that a majority of primary headaches are triggered by tense muscles in the neck. Sitting in front of the computer for long periods of time is just one of the activities that might cause this. A chiropractor can perform adjustments and spinal manipulation to alleviate tension. They may also be able to give you advice on relaxation techniques, proper posture, ergonomic aids, and nutritional advice to alleviate your headaches. Chiropractic Plus, a chiropractor in Stockbridge, GA tells us that, “The sooner you seek treatment, the faster you can begin to heal, and the more likely it is you can avoid related complications – and more importantly – its return.” Getting help early is the best way for your pain to be fixed for the long term.
Supplements
There are a variety of herbs and supplements that can also provide chronic headache relief. Some evidence has shown that butterbur and feverfew can either prevent headaches or reduce their severity. Vitamin B-2, also known as riboflavin, can also help with headaches. This supplement may reduce how frequently you experience headaches. The target dose is usually 400 milligrams per day. Another possibility is magnesium. Many people are magnesium deficient, and lack of magnesium may contribute to chronic headaches. A dose of 400 to 500 milligrams of magnesium per day can help prevent headaches and migraines. Vitamin D, which is naturally produced by sunlight, is another supplement to try for headaches. More people than ever spend many hours inside and never get enough vitamin D.
Alternative Therapies
Sometimes alternative therapies can provide relief from chronic headaches. You might choose to use them as complementary therapies along with more traditional methods. One such therapy is acupuncture. This ancient therapy involves ultra-slim needles inserted at certain pressure points to cure a variety of ills. Some studies do show that acupuncture can help reduce the severity and frequency of chronic headaches. Massage therapy is another treatment that might help relieve tension, which is one of the big culprits in chronic headaches. If you have tense muscles in your neck, shoulders or the back of your head, massage therapy can relieve this. Another experimental therapy is occipital nerve stimulation via an electrode. The energy pulses are applied to the back of your neck, which can ease the pain.
Pharmaceuticals
Various pharmaceutical drugs as prescribed by your doctor can also help with chronic headaches. One type of antidepressant with the brand name of Pamelor has been used to treat headaches. It can also treat some of the side effects of chronic headaches, including anxiety, depression and sleep disorders. Beta-blockers are another common type of drug used to treat migraines. These drugs are normally used to treat high blood pressure but seem to have some effect in preventing headaches as well. Anti-seizure medications can also be prescribed to prevent headaches. Some commonly prescribed anti-seizure drugs include topiramate, divalproex sodium, and gabapentin.
Avoiding Certain Foods
Another possibility for chronic headaches may simply be what you eat. There are a number of foods that have been shown to trigger headaches in some people. The National Headache Foundation even has a list of foods that can cause headaches. The list of foods to avoid includes the following:
– Ripened cheese like cheddar, brie, and Stilton among others
– Dried or pickled herring
– Chocolate
– Sour cream
– Fermented, pickled or marinated foods
– Sourdough bread and crackers
– Nuts and nut butter
– Legumes like broad beans, lima beans, and fava beans
– Food with MSG, which includes soy sauce and some seasoned salts
– Avocados, papayas, figs, and raisins
– Citrus fruit
– Pizza
– Bananas
– Large amounts of caffeinated beverages
– Cured meats like sausage, salami, hot dogs and pepperoni
– Chicken pate or liver
– Alcohol
Some of these foods shouldn’t be consumed in excess, but you can try avoiding them altogether if it seems like they’re triggering your headaches.
Along with the items listed above, you can also try non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen sodium, which can also help when nothing else is working. It may take time for other therapies to have an effect on your chronic headaches.
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